Israel has announced the approval to open two humanitarian routes into Gaza to facilitate aid delivery into the territory.
The Erez Gate in northern Gaza will temporarily reopen for the first time since the conflict began, and Ashdod Port will also open for humanitarian shipments. Additionally, more aid from Jordan will be permitted to enter via the Kerem Shalom Crossing.
This decision follows a phone call between US President Joe Biden and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which Biden emphasized the importance of Israel preventing civilian harm and humanitarian suffering to maintain US support.
The move comes after an Israeli airstrike killed seven aid workers from the charity World Central Kitchen (WCK) in Gaza on Monday. The convoy they were traveling in was struck shortly after unloading over 100 tonnes of food aid from a barge.
The announcement of the aid routes reopening has been welcomed by the US National Security Council, which stressed the need for prompt implementation.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned of a potential change in US policy if Israel does not take steps to protect civilians and aid workers.
The decision to reopen the Erez Gate is significant, considering previous statements from Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen indicating a cessation of contact between Israel and Gaza.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been dire, with long delays at border crossings hindering aid delivery. Air drops have been attempted but are less effective and pose risks to Palestinians.
A UN-backed report has highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with concerns raised about the use of starvation as a weapon of war.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant loss of life and destruction, with thousands of casualties reported since it began in October.
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